Wednesday, June 29, 2005

An API to Google Maps

Google just announced a new API to Google Maps that, with just a few lines of Javascript, allows web developers to embed maps on any website.

It even allows markers to be added to the maps, making it much easier to build mashups like housingmaps.com. HousingMaps shows Craigslist housing listings on top of Google Maps. If you haven't seen it yet, definitely check it out.

Very cool of Google to work to promote further innovation on top of Google Maps.

Update: In response, Yahoo launched the Yahoo Maps API today. At first glance, there appear to be some differences. For example, Yahoo's API issues XML. Google's is all Javascript. Yahoo doesn't allow commercial use of their API. Google's terms contain no such restrictions. Well, anyway, it's good to have options. More APIs can only be good news for developers.